How to Design an Inclusive Commercial Game Court for Athletes of All Abilities

Designing an inclusive game court for athletes of all abilities goes beyond simply meeting minimum accessibility standards. It embraces the principles of Universal Design, aiming to create a space that is welcoming, useable, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or sensory needs. 

This approach ensures that athletes using wheelchairs, those with prosthetic limbs, visual impairments, or cognitive differences can fully participate and thrive. C&C Courts wants to help your community center or fitness center create an inclusive space for everyone. 

With some careful planning, high-quality flooring, adjustable nets, and inclusive design principles, together, we can create a wonderful environment for your community. 

Surface Material Selection

The playing surface is perhaps the most critical component for an inclusive court. It impacts mobility, shock absorption, and traction for various adaptive equipment. When considering flooring for those who use wheelchairs, you will want to find flooring that emphasizes smoothness, traction, shock absorption, and durability. 

Some surface materials C&C Courts recommends include: 

• Response HG: Response HG is a smooth, interlocking tile system with patented Lateral Forgiveness technology for shock absorption. It is very durable and has high traction. 

• Defense: This flooring has high traction, slip resistance, and durability. It is also recommended for roller activity, which makes it a great option for wheelchairs as well.

• Dropzone Rubber: Dropzone offers many types of interlocking tile systems for indoor areas. These floorings are high-quality, durable, and slip-resistant. 

Adaptable and Accessible Equipment

Equipment should be designed or chosen to accommodate different needs and skill levels. Adjustable height hoops and nets allow for different playing heights, accommodating standing players, wheelchair players, and younger athletes. Multi-sport net systems with adjustable heights are essential for varied play and adaptive sports. 

Ensuring clear floor space around equipment is important as well. For fixed exercise equipment, ensure a clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches to allow wheelchair users to transition onto the equipment. 

Inclusive Design Principles in Practice (Beyond ADA)

Applying Universal Design principles ensures that courts are intuitively usable by everyone. This means that they provide the same means of use, no matter who the person is. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing anyone. 

Keep all your facilities and courts flexible in use, which means they can accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Keep your spaces simple to understand, regardless of experience or cognitive ability, and always communicate necessary information effectively. The space should also require low physical effort. 

Additional Tips for Accessible Facilities

Here are some tips for making your facility more accessible, which are not required by the ADA but will make your facility better for everyone.

• Accessible water fountains for both standing and seated individuals

• Shaded areas for rest

• Clear sightlines to avoid accidents

• Quiet zones or cool-down areas

• Staff training on how to assist individuals with disabilities

Let C&C Courts Help Make Your Facility Accessible to All

If you need help making your community or recreational facility more accessible to all individuals, let C&C Courts help. 

Our staff has over 30 years of experience creating athletic courts for people of all ages, skill levels, and abilities. With our help and knowledge of quality floorings, design principles, and game court design, your facility will transform into a central location for all individuals to enjoy and exercise. 

Call us today at 952-746-4545 to find out how we can help make your facility more accessible, or request a quote online!